Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Nene Q. Pimentel,
Jr. (PDP-Laban) today called for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyos
withdrawal from the presidency following her lifting of Proclamation 1017
which declared a state of national emergency in the country.

Pimentel said there will be no end to military unrest, political instability,
national disunity and economic mismanagement as long as the President does not
resign. He argued Vice President Noli de Castro to step down too.

We have seen her withdraw the overbearing Proclamation 1017 last Friday. We
hope to see her withdraw from Malacañang
to pave the way for snap presidential
and vice presidential elections, he said in a privilege speech at the Senate.

The minority leader said the nation cannot go on with a president who no
longer has the trust and confidence of the people.

We cannot continue with a president who is running amuck with the powers of
the presidency in complete disregard of the precepts of the Constitution and the
rule of law, Pimentel said.

As senators, we must, therefore, go with our people and demand that the
president and her vice president resign now and give our people a chance to
elect a new leader.

Pimentel said the people cannot be swayed by Mrs. Arroyos promise to reform
her discredited governance and to work for national reconciliation because her
credibility has sunk to zero.